WHEREAS, Church workers of the Synod experience unique vocational stressors inherent to ecclesial callings, including isolation, heavy workloads, public scrutiny, financial strain, and relational pressures; and
WHEREAS, Research within and outside the Synod demonstrates increasing rates of burnout, depression, anxiety, suicidality, marital distress, loneliness, financial uncertainty, and certain addictive behaviors among pastors and other church workers; and
WHEREAS, Professional counseling, including counseling delivered via telehealth, has demonstrated efficacy in treating burnout, depression, anxiety disorders, trauma -related distress, marital and family conflict, financial stress, and certain addictive behaviors; and
WHEREAS, Church workers of the Synod will benefit from Christ -centered, clinically competent counseling services that are confessionally aligned with the doctrine and practice of the Synod and are well positioned to serve church workers confidentially whether in-person or via telehealth; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage its workers to view the use of professional counseling services as faithful stewardship of the gifts of body and mind entrusted to them by God; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod commend telehealth counseling services as trusted resources for addressing burnout, depression, anxiety, suicidality, marital and family distress, financial stress, and certain addictive behaviors among church workers; and be it further
Resolved, That districts, congregations, schools, and recognized service organizations be encouraged to become familiar with existing and available counseling and telehealth services that are confessionally aligned with the doctrine and practice of the Synod and to share such information as part of a culture of care and support for church workers; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod affirm that timely access to counseling services may assist church workers in remaining in their calls and continuing faithful service to Christ’s Church through the proclamation of the Gospel; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod and districts be encouraged in the upcoming triennium to consider how to address the acute and growing need for more capacity in counseling and telehealth services that are confessionally and doctrinally aligned with the Synod in light of future advancements in telehealth services and the growing acceptance of these counseling services as beneficial to worker wellness; and that such encouragement be offered in a manner that respects Christian freedom, confidentiality, and pastoral discretion, without mandate or compulsion; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Office of National Mission, in cooperation with Concordia Plan Services and other appropriate Synod entities, be directed to study the feasibility of establishing a synodwide telehealth counseling network staffed by licensed mental health professionals who are confessionally committed to the doctrine and practice of the Synod, with particular attention to ensuring affordability, confidentiality, and accessibility for church workers and their families across all districts.